Ask a Dietitian

  • I am finally convinced that the cholesterol found in shrimp isn’t going to raise my blood cholesterol and may actually decrease my risk of heart disease.  Are there any other nutrients found in shrimp that can make me healthier?
    Happy Holidays!
    Ralph C.

    Hi Ralph. We have good news for you. In addition to being a great source of high-quality protein, shrimp is rich in health-enhancing nutrients.  Here are just a few:

    Vitamin D: Four ounces of shrimp provides almost half the daily requirement of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin.  Vitamin D helps to build strong bones and maintain a healthy immune system, and may also lower the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer.

    Selenium: Sixty five percent of the daily selenium requirement can be met with a serving of shrimp.  This powerful antioxidant has been linked to a lower risk of certain cancers and also promotes healthy function of the thyroid gland.

    Vitamin B12: Four ounces of shrimp provides a third of the daily requirement for vitamin B12.  It has many functions including the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system.  

    Tryptophan: One serving of shrimp provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of this essential amino acid.  Tryptophan plays a role in appetite control and sleep and improves mood. 

     

Archive

  • I am finally convinced that the cholesterol found in shrimp isn’t going to raise my blood cholesterol and may actually decrease my risk of heart disease.  Are there any other nutrients found in shrimp that can make me healthier?
    Happy Holidays!
    Ralph C.

    Read More

  • Dear Janice & Liz,

    I heard that farm-raised salmon has less omega-3 fats than wild salmon. Is this true?

    Best-
    Richard T.
    Round Hill, VA

    Read More

  • Dear Janice & Liz, It seems as if the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids keep on surfacing. My husband says he read somewhere that omega-3s may actually help with spinal cord injury recovery. Is this true? Best--Michael S.Warren, MI

    Read More
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Ask a dietition

  • I am finally convinced that the cholesterol found in shrimp isn’t going to raise my blood cholesterol and may actually decrease my risk of heart disease.  Are there any other nutrients found in shrimp that can make me healthier?
    Happy Holidays!
    Ralph C.

    FIND OUT THE ANSWER

We already know that shrimp is low in fat and calories. But if you are concerned about cholesterol, there is good news. You do not have to give up shrimp! Research shows and dietitians concur that the high percentage of "good fats" in shrimp reduces the impact of cholesterol. So enjoy shrimp as part of a balanced - and delicious - diet.